This week's Shop Talk is part of BBC Voices and discusses the computer systems which think they're human because they can talk to us.
A decade ago we were told we'd soon be throwing away our keyboards but it didn't happen because the technology wasn't reliable enough.
But it's come a long way since then and now it's an absolute boon for disabled people. It's reckoned that one system has even saved lives. Automated voices are increasingly being used in call centres and a virtual receptionist has even been created. She will greet you and ask you if you'd like a cup of coffee before announcing your arrival.
But do we actually like talking to a machine, especially when it doesn't understand us?
